Arthur's approach threatens fireworks

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 7:46 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 7:46 a.m.

The party will go on, but there might be a (Roman) candle or two less on the cake as America celebrates her birthday this July Fourth.

Tropical Storm Arthur is putting a damper on a few scheduled fireworks displays and other scheduled events. Area officials continue to monitor conditions and will make final decisions about events as the storm approaches, but here's a list of activities and cancellations declared so far.

The worst of the weather should hit Thursday, so events planned for July 3 are most affected at this point.

July 3

Independence Day Concert and Fireworks: Surf City officials have canceled their July 3 celebration. Music and fireworks have been rescheduled for Aug. 29.

7/3 UPDATE: N.C. 4th of July Festival Naturalization Ceremony: This ceremony welcoming 114 freshly minted Americans to the fold has been canceled along with all Southport festival events scheduled for Thursday.

Fireworks by the Sea: Fireworks for 9 p.m. July 3 are canceled, but larger weekly displays will be conducted on the following Thursdays for the rest of the summer (weather permitting, of course). Elsewhere on Pleasure Island, access to Freeman Park on the town's north end will be restricted starting at noon on July 3.

Brunswick County Summer Concerts: Live music is planned for 6:30 p.m. with Jaded Mayberry taking the stage at Calabash Town Park and Sea Cruz playing at Shallotte's Rourk Gardens on July 3. Steve Owens & Summertime go on at 6:30 p.m. at Ocean Isle Beach's Museum of Coastal Carolina on July 4. Amy Wilkes with the Brunswick County Parks and Recreation said the shows hadn't been rescheduled for weather as of Wednesday afternoon, but those interested in attending could call a hotline at 910-253-2031 for last-minute updates.

Wilmington Hammerheads Military Appreciation Night: Hammerheads general manager Jason Arnold said the 7:30 p.m. match against Orlando City would go on as planned July 3 at Legion Stadium.

"It looks like we'll get some rain and a little wind, so the game should be fine," Arnold said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to set off fireworks also."

July 4

Area officials remain optimistic that scheduled fireworks around the region can go on as planned this Friday. The following shows are all operating without change as of Wednesday afternoon.

4th of July Celebration: 5-9 p.m., with fireworks at 9:05 p.m., downtown Wilmington. Water Street is blocked off for this national birthday bash with food, entertainment and other amusements fueling the festivities before the big blast. The city puts on a great show, which is appropriately packed with spectators. Officials say to plan on delays getting to and from the affair. Details at www.WilmingtonNC.gov.

North Carolina 4th of July Festival: 9 p.m., Southport waterfront. This week-long tribute to America concludes with 20 minutes of fireworks billed as "one of the most impressive displays on the East Coast" by organizers. More at www.nc4thofjuly.com.

Holly Ridge Liberty Fest: Activities begin at 2 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m., Holly Ridge Municipal Park. This all-day affair features live music, food and craft vendors and children's activities. The grounds offer plenty of space to spread out with a blanket.